The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds represent a significant leap forward from their predecessor, offering a compelling blend of enhanced comfort, superior performance, and innovative features. This in-depth review dives into the key improvements, meticulously examining the design, audio quality, battery life, and fitness-focused functionalities. We'll explore whether these upgrades justify the price tag and ultimately determine if the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a worthy investment, particularly for those with an active lifestyle.This review will dissect the refined ergonomic design, featuring lighter earbuds and smaller ear hooks for a more secure and comfortable fit. We'll analyze the boosted battery life, including the impact of active noise cancellation (ANC) and fast fuel charging. Furthermore, we'll evaluate the audio performance, assessing the balanced sound profile and the effectiveness of the ANC. Finally, the integrated heart rate monitoring and other fitness-centric features will be thoroughly examined, comparing them to competing products like the AirPods Pro 2.
Pros And Cons
- 20% lighter than the original Powerbeats Pro
- 50% smaller ear hooks made of nickel titanium alloy
- Improved earbud design for better fit
- Five different ear tip sizes included
- Ear tip fit test available in iPhone/Beats app settings
- Multiple buttons for easy music control
- Various colors available (Jet Black, Quicksand, Hyper Purple, Electric Orange)
- Matte finish to prevent fingerprint smudges
- Color-matched carrying case
- Smaller carrying case than the original
- Magnets hold earbuds securely in the case
- USB-C port and wireless charging support
- Improved battery life (up to 36 hours with ANC, up to 48 hours with Adaptive EQ)
- Fast Fuel charging (1.5 hours of listening time with 5 minutes of charge)
- Secure fit during physical activity, including activities like cycling
- Transparency mode allows hearing of surroundings
- IPX4 water resistance
- Balanced and even audio quality
- H2 chip for spatial audio, lossless audio (with Apple Vision Pro)
- One-Touch pairing (Android and iOS)
- Find My support (iOS)
- Audio sharing, iCloud pairing, Hey Siri support
- Find My Beats functionality (Android)
- Heart rate monitoring with compatible apps (more limited on iOS)
- Learning curve for proper earbud placement
- Larger case compared to some other wireless earbuds
- Audio quality and ANC slightly below AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
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Design and Fit: Lighter, Smaller, and More Comfortable
The Powerbeats Pro 2 boasts a 20% lighter design compared to its predecessor, making them significantly more comfortable for extended wear during workouts or daily use. The ear hooks, now 50% smaller and crafted from a nickel titanium alloy, provide a secure and adaptable fit for various ear shapes.
Five different ear tip sizes are included, ensuring a personalized fit for optimal sound isolation and comfort. The improved design and smaller ear hooks contribute to a less bulky feel, making them less noticeable in the ear.
The matte finish on the earbuds helps minimize the appearance of fingerprints and smudges, maintaining a clean aesthetic. The color-matching case is a welcome addition, complementing the earbuds' stylish design.
Controls and Battery Life: Enhanced Functionality and Extended Playback
The Powerbeats Pro 2 retain the convenient physical controls found on the originals. A volume rocker and a multi-function button on the Beats logo allow for easy music playback control even during strenuous activity.
Battery life has been significantly improved. With active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, you get up to 36 hours of listening time (8 hours on the earbuds and 28 hours in the case). This increases to 48 hours when using Adaptive EQ.
Fast Fuel charging provides up to 1.5 hours of listening time with just 5 minutes of charging. The case now also supports wireless charging for added convenience.
Audio Quality and Active Noise Cancellation: Balanced Sound and Effective Noise Reduction
The Powerbeats Pro 2 offers a balanced audio profile with noticeable bass response. While not surpassing the AirPods Pro 2 in overall audio quality or ANC performance, they still provide a highly enjoyable listening experience.
The improved audio components, including a higher-output amplifier, new venting, and better transducers, contribute to enhanced sound clarity and depth. The ANC effectively reduces ambient noise, though not to the same level as the AirPods Pro 2.
For workout and active use scenarios, the secure fit provided by the ear hooks enhances the overall listening experience by preventing the earbuds from falling out, even during vigorous activity.
Heart Rate Monitoring and Other Features: Fitness Tracking and Seamless Connectivity
The Powerbeats Pro 2 offer built-in heart rate monitoring, utilizing multiple sensors in each earbud. This functionality works seamlessly with various fitness apps on Android and a select list of apps on iOS, like Nike Run Club and Peloton.
The earbuds also connect to gym equipment for accurate heart rate tracking during workouts. This provides users with a comprehensive fitness tracking solution without requiring additional wearable devices.
Other noteworthy features include OneTouch pairing, Find My support (iOS), audio sharing, iCloud pairing, and Hey Siri support. The Beats app on Android provides additional functionality, such as 'Locate My Beats'.
Conclusion: Are the Powerbeats Pro 2 Worth It?
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are a significant upgrade, offering improved comfort, longer battery life, and enhanced features compared to their predecessor. The secure fit, thanks to the ear hooks, makes them ideal for workouts and active lifestyles.
While the AirPods Pro 2 might slightly edge them out in pure audio quality and ANC, the Powerbeats Pro 2 deliver a compelling listening experience with balanced sound and effective noise reduction. The added heart rate monitoring is a significant plus for fitness enthusiasts.
Considering the price point and overall features, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a strong contender in the wireless earbuds market, especially for those prioritizing a secure, comfortable, and feature-rich workout companion. If a smaller case is a priority and heart rate tracking isn't essential, the Beats Fit Pro is a worthy alternative.